How to cover the Dubai exotic food scene

Dubai’s culinary scene is like no other. It is a feast for the senses – the smells, taste and presentation would make you crave more. Whether you’re in Dubai on a business trip or holiday in Dubai, you’ll enjoy savouring all the delectable Dubai has to offer. Let’s talk about some of the best dishes to try in Dubai.

Emirati cuisine in Dubai

Whether you eat at cafés in Dubai or go to ritzy restaurants, you’ll get to tuck into Emirati cuisine. For example, hotels like the NH Collection Dubai the Palm present several restaurants dedicated to Emirati cuisine. This particular cuisine borrows inspiration from Lebanese, Iranian and Indian food to create unique flavours. The traditional Emirati food culture use camel and goat milk, meat, plenty of dates, vegetables, grains and even fish with a lot of fragrant spices. Some dishes include ghaf tree leaves for added flavour. And, when you first enter an Emirati home, they welcome you with dates and Arabic coffee – a heavenly combination.

Try some Al Harees in Dubai

They combine fresh meat, diced onion, ground cumin and a bit of salt before baking the concoction. One of the country’s best known traditional favourites, this dish makes an appearance during Ramadan and special occasions. Al Harees are generally passed down from generation to generation.

Try some Manousheh in Dubai

Manousheh is a bit like Pizza in Dubai, but appeals to more piquant taste buds. It is a good breakfast dish. They top the stretched dough with exotic toppings and some earthy herbs and Akkawi cheese with a final drizzle of olive oil. You can add dollops of sweet minced lamb and jam to add that extra layer of deliciousness before tucking in. This pizza-like dish is also a popular street food.

Try Chelo Kebab in Dubai

A side of saffron scented basmati rice comes with butter and scrumptious kebabs. This non-vegetarian dish is a crowd pleaser, and with every bite you’ll feel like you’re in an ancient nomadic tent, surrounded by loved ones.

Try Iranian Sangak in Dubai

Iranian Sangak is a dish for the bread lovers out there. Made with whole wheat, this leavened flatbread hails from old Persia (Iran). It could be either served in rectangular or regular shapes. These days, you can even get a gluten free version.

Try Jasheed in Dubai

A popular fish dish in coastal areas, Jasheed is made with shark or other fish if they can’t get it. They cook the fish for 30 minutes in water mixed with spices like cinnamon, dried lemon peel, cardamom and ginger along with garlic and onions. Then they shred the fish and mix it with a blend of spices. This mixture then gets to undergo yet another cooking process until well done. You can enjoy the spiced fish with rice and ghee.

Try Saloona in Dubai

Saloona is a water based curry made with lamb, chicken or fish cooked with seasonal vegetables and an exotic blend of spices. You can eat this curry with either rice or tandoor.

Try Al Machboos in Dubai

An unsophisticated yet beloved dish, Al Machboos include rice, meat and onions with spices, pinch of salt and dried lemon peel. The zesty flavour goes well with raita and salad. The most authentic way to eat it is to serve it on a large platter and share with everyone.

Try stuffed camel in Dubai

A quintessentially Emirati dish – stuffed camel is aluxury food item in Arabia. They stuff the camel with sheep, chicken, eggs, fish and spices and then roast over a spit. This meat heavy dish is a favourite at any Bedouin ceremony or festival.